Kvass (Russia)
Serves 10
Ingredients
Method
500 g. Rye Bread, Sliced and Toasted
5 l. Water
200 g. Sugar
1 tbsp. Active Dry Yeast
50 g. Raisins
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat.
Add the toasted rye bread to the pot and let it steep until the water cools to room temperature.
Strain the liquid into a large jar or container, discarding the bread.
Dissolve the sugar and yeast in a small amount of warm water, then add to the jar.
Cover the jar with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and let it ferment at room temperature for about 2 days.
Strain the kvass through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, then add the raisins.
Bottle the kvass, adding a few raisins to each bottle, and refrigerate for an additional 2 days.
Serve cold. The kvass should be slightly fizzy and have a tangy, refreshing taste.